Consultant for Non‑Preferential Certificates of Origin (CPTA)

About the role

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) seeks an experienced consultant to lead a study on non‑preferential certificates of origin (NPCO) under the CPTA Framework Agreement. The consultant will analyse the benefits and challenges of a mutual‑recognition protocol for paper‑less NPCOs among selected CPTA parties and produce a comprehensive report.

Key responsibilities

• Draft a structured document analysing the benefits, challenges and legal aspects of adopting a mutual‑recognition protocol for NPCOs (delivery by 15 Oct 2026).
• Present findings at at least one expert‑group meeting and one national consultation meeting, coordinated with the ESCAP secretariat (delivery by 15 Nov 2026).
• Incorporate feedback from the consultations and refine the report (final delivery by 15 Dec 2026).
• Ensure all outputs meet the Terms of Reference and adhere to UN copyright and dissemination policies.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in international trade, law, economics or a related field.
• Proven experience in trade facilitation, paper‑less trade initiatives, or certificate‑of‑origin analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high‑quality analytical reports for intergovernmental organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder‑engagement skills for presenting findings to expert groups and national authorities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Contract‑based engagement with a leading UN regional body.
• Opportunity to influence trade‑facilitation policy across Asia‑Pacific.